Maintenance

In the program for recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction that I belong to, ETA, there is a saying, loosely quoted from the book "Alcoholics Anonymous", that goes something like this: 'What we really have is a daily reprieve from boozing and using depending upon the maintenance of a good spiritual connection with the old HP.' That means that, if I want to stay clean and sober, I better be spending time with the old HP every single day. Most days, I need to check in with Him several times a day because I run into people, places and things that don't act right.

Often, in ETA meetings, I hear people say something more like this: 'I have a daily reprieve that depends on my spiritual condition.' Then I wish that I had a buzzer like the ones for the wrong answers on game shows. The two comments are different and the second one is wrong. It implies that once you have a connection with the old HP, you will be good to go from here on out, and that is wrong. Buzzer.

Do you remember your best friend from kindergarten? I didn't think so. Most of us don't. But at one time in our lives we had a close connection to them that probably even lasted for a few weeks, months or years. We saw our best friend almost every day. When we quit spending time with them on a regular basis, the connection withered and then was gone. We vaguely remember the friend now.

The bastardized mutation of the quote (second paragraph) implies that, given the kindergarten analogy, we still are bonded as closely to our childhood friend as we ever were. We established a relationship that needs no further care or attention to stay strong and intact. Buzzer. Ever hear of divorce? How about estrangement? Broken relationships?

Maintenance means that we pay attention to something, provide the necessary care and fix anything worn out or broken. The best made car and the most expensive house still require maintenance, for crying out loud. Why would we think our relationship with the old HP will flourish through neglect? Have you ever known even one thing to do so? Me, either.

The things that are the strongest and last the longest are the things that we tend to frequently. Think of the boozing and using years. How often did you check to make sure your stash of substance was intact? How many times did you say: "Well, I had a drink 2 days ago, so I should be okay"? Or, "I drank for 15 minutes this morning, I won't need to drink now until bedtime"? I never said that type of thing regarding my addiction. I tended to the disease of addiction many times every day. My disease became very powerful. And it lasted a long time, too.

You may have noticed that I feel passionate about getting the sentiment of the quote correct. I must maintain my relationship with the old HP to stay sober. And, since I don't have a buzzer, I'm thinking of maintaining a squirt gun to use on those that can't or won't carry the right message. A gentle reminder to get the facts straight.

Have a good and sober day.